Simon Tyrrell
Owner/manager, Tyrrell and Company (Wine Importers) Ltd
Your favourite off-licence?
On the grounds of diplomacy I’m going to chicken out on this one, suffice to say we are fortunate to have some outstanding independent off-licences
How do you describe yourself?
I still think of myself as I was when I was 22. Young, stress free, laid back, fit. What delusion!
What’s your favourite drink?
Northern Rhone Syrah and great Burgundy Pinot Noir
What’s your favourite drink brand, outside of any brands you may represent, and why?
It has to be Guinness. Let’s face it, a pretty odd tasting drink that has achieved iconic, global recognition and domestically is an integral part of the Irish culture
Should drink ads be limited/banned, why/why not?
I don’t believe in banning drink ads but they should be limited. Advertising works and therefore ads need to be aimed at the right audience and at the right time
What piece of legislation would you introduce/change?
A reduction in excise duty. Historically a waste of time in the fight against excessive alcohol consumption and a huge negative impact, as an importer, on trying to do business in Ireland
The best gift you ever received?
My table football table that my wife and kids gave me last Christmas
What possession could you not live without?
Unfortunately I have to say my car
What was your first job?
Working on the bumper boats at a water theme park to the south of London. The perfect summer job for a teenager
What’s the worst ad ever?
Eurocycles/Eurobabies imitating Harvey Norman
What’s your favourite drink ad at the moment?
There’s nothing great around at the moment but the Guinness Evolution ad is excellent
Country & western or rock ‘n roll?
Country & Western
Who is inspirational in the Irish trade?
Tommy Cullen in Jus de Vine for his determination and his passion
What (if anything) was the last thing you bought on the Internet?
Plane tickets
What’s your favourite food
Classic French/New wave Spanish
Wine or beer?
Wine 99% of the time
What makes you laugh?
Ardal O’Hanlon and at the moment, bank economists
Favourite insult?
Not bad for a New World wine
Who (out of anyone in the whole world alive or dead) would you most like to have drinks with?
Napoleon Bonaparte or Jennifer Connelly